Slanderous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฃ๏ธ
slanderous
[หslรฆndษrษs ]
Definitions
in a conversation
False and damaging statements about someone's reputation; defamatory.
Synonyms
defamatory, harmful, libelous, malicious.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| slanderous |
Use this word when referring to spoken statements that damage someone's reputation. It implies false and harmful speech.
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| defamatory |
Use this word when describing statements that harm someone's reputation, whether they are spoken or written. It covers both slander and libel.
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| libelous |
Use this word specifically for written statements that are false and harmful to someone's reputation. It's similar to defamatory but specifically in written form.
|
| malicious |
Use this word when describing actions or statements intended to harm someone, often with spiteful or evil intentions. It can be used in a variety of contexts, not limited to reputational harm.
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| harmful |
Use this word when describing something that causes physical, emotional, or reputational damage, but it does not necessarily have a legal implication.
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Examples of usage
- She was sued for making slanderous remarks about her colleague.
- The article contained several slanderous accusations against the politician.
in a legal context
Constituting or involving defamation.
Synonyms
defamatory, harmful, libelous, malicious.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| slanderous |
Repetition: Describes spoken statements that harm someone's reputation by spreading false claims.
|
| defamatory |
Applies to both spoken (slander) and written (libel) statements that damage someone's reputation.
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| libelous |
Describes written or published false statements that harm someone's reputation.
|
| malicious |
Used to describe actions or statements done with the intention to cause harm, whether to reputation or otherwise.
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| harmful |
Refers to any action or statement that causes damage or injury, not necessarily related to reputation.
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Examples of usage
- The court ruled that the statement was slanderous and awarded damages to the plaintiff.
- The lawyer warned against making any slanderous claims during the trial.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In law, slander is considered a type of defamation, which can lead to lawsuits and compensation claims.
- Slander specifically refers to spoken false statements, while libel refers to written ones.
- Typically, for a statement to be considered slanderous, it must be proven false and harmful to the personโs reputation.
Historical Origins
- The term 'slander' comes from the Old French 'esclandre', meaning 'to make a loud accusation'.
- It has Latin roots in 'slanderium', which translates to 'slander' or 'reproach'.
- Historically, accusations of slander could lead to duels or public disputes to defend honor.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, reputation is deeply tied to oneโs honor, making slander a serious offense.
- Literature often explores themes of slander, illustrating how rumors and false statements can destroy lives, as seen in works like Shakespeare's 'Othello'.
- Social media has transformed how slander spreads, with false claims now reaching wider audiences rapidly.
Psychological Impact
- Being a target of slander can lead to anxiety, depression, and loss of self-esteem for those affected.
- Victims of slander may experience feelings of betrayal, especially if the perpetrator is someone they trusted.
- The fear of being slandered can inhibit personal expression and lead to self-censorship.
Media Influence
- Sensationalist news often blurs the lines between fact and opinion, sometimes leading to slanderous accusations.
- Public figures frequently face slanderous claims, which can be both politically and socially damaging.
- Media trials in the public eye can result in slander, as rumors may overshadow truths without proper evidence.
Origin of 'slanderous'
The word 'slanderous' originated from the Old French word 'esclandere', which meant to scandalize or cause offense. Over time, it evolved to refer to making false and damaging statements about someone. The concept of slander has been present in legal systems for centuries, with laws developed to protect individuals from defamation. Slanderous statements can have serious consequences, leading to lawsuits and damage to reputations.